Hello parents,
I just wanted to give you a heads up that we will be starting health education in Science today (all divisions). As is suggested for grade 8s, the main focus will be on healthy choices with regards to drugs/alcohol and sexual activity, as well as the risks associated with those choices, and strategies for communicating and standing by their choices. We will also very briefly cover the male and female reproductive systems.
I have placed an anonymous question box in my classroom so that I can address student queries, but please do feel free to ask them about the class discussions - though the students may not thank me for saying that!
I will be using information from the BC Health files, and the Grade 8 "Healthy Choices" manual developed by VIHA. For more information on sexual health, you can go to the following sites/centres, recommended by VIHA:
Facts of Life Line
Operates an anonymous telephone information and referral service for youth with sexual health concerns. Phone hours are limited.
Phone: 1-800-739-7367
Island Sexual Health Society
Operates sexual health clinics for residents of the Capital Region. Services include sexual health counselling, pregnancy testing, pregnancy options counselling, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, pelvic examinations, birth control, emergency contraception and referrals to community resources. Clinics are located at Camosun College, Peninsula Health Unit, West Shore Health Unit, and the main Victoria location. Appointments are made through the Victoria location.
Phone: (250) 592-3479
Website: www.islandsexualhealth.org
Victoria Youth Clinic
Provides confidential and free health services for youth aged 12-24 years. Services include assistance with medical problems, health counselling, mental health, birth control, pregnancy testing and counselling, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
Phone: James Bay Clinic (250) 388-7841 or Downtown Clinic (250) 383-3552
Website: www.victoriayouthclinic.ca
Email: office@victoriayouthclinic.ca
Options for Sexual Health
More information on STIs, pregnancy and testing.
http://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/resources/youth
Mme O
